I think its amazing that they are able to target certain types of breathing to certain disease states. Some of them do look rather vigorous! I'll check the mellower ones and put this on the website when I put up my breathing section - thanks. Of course the yogi's in India or the east have working on these stuff for 1000's of years probably. It seems like a science unto itself.

A key for me with breathing is just focusing on it - not getting wrapped up in whatever physical/emotional state or event or activity I'm in and periodically paying attention to my breathing (or lack of it at times!) and letting it... deepen and my body relax. Usually when that happens my posture also becomes erect rather than hunched - I can notice a real increase in energy (got to get it where you can! ).

I remember not holding my breath when I was 12. Became aware of it then. I think you are right, awareness, and I forget to check in most of the time.

I just do a few of each of the breathing exercises.. or did.. I am going downhill right now. Some days, no breath to do them, but other days, they felt good.. no where at his minimal number.. stopping when I felt pressure.

Well, I am meandering between two threads! I posted about alternate nostril breathing on the Body-Mind Sensitivity thread, but I think I'll continue here as this thread's name is more on target.

If you care to go on a slightly esoteric journey on this subject, I'll give some interesting theory from the old texts on yoga breathing that is actually relevant here.

It is believed that the right and left nostrils are the "terminals" of certain primary energy channels (technically called nadis)--Ida and Pingala. Ida terminates at the left nostril, is associated with the parasympathic nervous system (vagus), is said to have a negative polarity, and be "cool." Pingala terminates at the right nostril, is associated with the sympathetic nervous system, is said to have a positive polarity and be "warm."

This theory comes from "Hatha Yoga" texts and yogic breathing comes under the category of Hatha Yoga. Interestingly, the two syllables--Ha and Tha, mean (Ha)--positive, solar, and (Tha)--negative lunar--hence the term Hatha Yoga though it is usually considered to be simply physical exercises or postures.

So...alternate nostril breathing is actually designed to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems! An interesting experiment: we know that different bodily functions are associated with either the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. So, while eating, hold a finger under your nostrils and see which one is dominant (harder to do while sleeping )

Is this a fun ride or what?

Sushi

P.S. disclaimer: I hope I didn't reverse the qualities of Ida and Pingala!